- Women who work in the home are at a 54-per-cent higher
risk of developing cancer than career women, says Michael Dufresne, a leading
researcher in environmental cancers.
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- Women and men who want to look good and avoid body odours
are at an added risk, because of the cancer-causing chemicals in hundreds
of personal care products and household cleaners.
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- From cosmetics and hair products to toothpaste, shaving
cream, furniture polish and dishwashing liquid, the presence of carcinogens
raises major concerns, said Dufresne, an adjunct and research professor
at the University of Windsor, researcher for Cancer Care Ontario and a
member of the Barbara Karmanos Cancer Institute.
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- Speaking at a Hospice of Windsor seminar Tuesday, and
quoting from leading studies, Dufresne said his greatest worry is the lack
of information given to the public about products they use every day.
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- "People are blindly being led in the use of these
products. They assume they are tested and safe, and they're not,"
said Dufresne. "Scientists are discovering that exposure to a variety
of trace chemicals over the span of a lifetime is dangerous."
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- According to Statistics Canada, 335 women per 100,000
will develop cancer. Forty-six per cent of Canadian women are in the workforce
and the remainder work at home.
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- The U.S. Public Interest Research Group reports that
there are more than 100,000 synthetic chemicals in use. Residues of more
than 400 toxic chemicals have been identified in human blood and fat tissue.
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- The risk for childhood leukemia and brain tumours increases
dramatically in households using home and garden pesticides, herbicides
and insecticides. Bleach is being linked to the rising rates of breast
cancer.
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- Dufresne said the biggest culprit is the cosmetic industry,
which does not put warnings on labels and does not list potentially harmful
ingredients.
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- "The industry and the regulators know the cancer
risks associated with cosmetics but there is virtually no consumer knowledge,"
Dufresne said.
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- "Unlike cigarettes, there are no warning labels
on cosmetics and virtually no FDA regulations policing them."
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- Cancer-linked chemicals are found in blush, concealer,
facial powder, mascara and eye shadow and lipstick. Toothpaste, nail polish,
bubbles, shaving cream, deodorant, soap, tampons, conditioner, shampoo
and styling products also pose a threat.
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- "My own study showed that men and women think they're
safer if they pay more, but there is absolutely no relationship between
cost and safety."
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- The use of talc in the genital region has been linked
to ovarian cancer.
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- Mouth, tongue and throat cancer has been linked to the
high alcohol content (more than 25 per cent), saccharin, dyes and a chemical
called PS60/80 in various types of mouthwash.
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- In the home, Lysol, Murphy's Oil Soap, Pledge, Tilex,
Ajax, Palmolive, Joy, Sunlight, Arm & Hammer heavy duty laundry detergent,
shout stick and liquid Spray 'N Wash are a few of the many products containing
dangerous chemicals, said Dufresne.
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- Chemicals formed in woodsmoke from the fireplace, some
burning candles, carpets and plastics, particularly plastic wrap, can also
cause cancer.
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- Dufresne said people shouldn't panic, but wants to ensure
they have information to make informed choices.
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- "You have to balance the risks and benefits, but
ask questions first and demand answers," said Dufresne. "Just
remember what you don't know can hurt you."
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- - vmandal@thestar.canwest.com or 255-5777, Ext. 649
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- © Copyright 2003 Windsor Star
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